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Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta

creamy roasted cherry tomato pasta - featured image
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A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring caramelized roasted cherry tomatoes and airy whipped ricotta, brightened with fresh basil. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and juicy
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, whole milk recommended
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti or linguine preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  2. Place 2 cups (300g) of cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes until blistered and bursting, releasing their juices. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  4. While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
  5. Transfer 1 cup (250g) of ricotta to a mixing bowl. Whip with a hand mixer or blender until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and lemon zest.
  6. Add the roasted tomatoes and all their juices directly to the whipped ricotta. Stir gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Do not skip or shorten the roasting step to ensure rich caramelized flavor. Whip ricotta for a silky smooth sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. If whipped ricotta is too stiff, loosen with a splash of milk or olive oil. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, whipped ricotta, easy pasta recipe, basil pasta, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-roasted-cherry-tomato-pasta-with-whipped-ricotta-easy-recipe/